The US Space Force has inaugurated a new facility dedicated to collaborative developments and prototyping of advanced military capabilities at its Vanderberg base in California.
The Crucible Innovation Lab consists of high-performance computers, 3D printers, power tools, virtual reality platforms, and other technologies to actuate concepts that benefit soldiers in modern warfare.
It will also incorporate access to broader networks of the space and air force’s AFWERX and SPACEWERX innovative arms as well as other science and technology partners from local navy segments and academic institutions.
“Our goal is for Team Vandenberg to utilize the space to develop local solutions to their own mission needs instead of being forced to wait for a solution to come,” US Space Force Spaceport Innovation Chief Maj. Bryan Davis explained.
“This space will allow us to continue to invest in our base’s four strategic objectives, the space mission, supporting our mission partners, quality of life, and innovation and digital transformation, in a way that empowers units to develop their own internal solutions, saving time and resources across the board and improving our own efficiency and effectiveness.”
Re-Entry Vehicle Lab in New Mexico
The Crucible Innovation Lab’s debut followed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of another US Space Force test and research center in New Mexico.
This upcoming hub, to be called the Re-Entry Vehicle Integration Laboratory (REVIL), will operate as one of the primary evaluation sites for the Air Force Research Lab in developments related to re-entry vehicles, particularly those used to move capabilities between ground and space-based missions.
REVIL will encompass 5,265 square feet (489 square meters) in Albuquerque and is expected to be completed by next year.
